The radioactive aircraft that was faster and cheaper than the X-15
In short: In the 1950s, engineers proposed a radical alternative to the iconic X-15. The Douglas D-684 promised superior performance at a lower cost, but its unique construction led to a surprising rejection.
During the development of what would eventually become the X-15, the Douglas D-684 emerged as a standout proposal. It was engineered to be lighter, faster, and more affordable than competing designs. However, it featured a distinct material choice: an alloy that was slightly radioactive.
Despite its technical advantages, the D-684 lost the competition. While its radioactivity is a notable characteristic, the decision to move forward with other designs was driven by factors beyond just the material's properties.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Radioactive Alternative To The X-15 - Faster, Higher, Cheaper. The Douglas D-684
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